Turkish Airlines orders more than 100 Airbus narrowbodies

Turkish Airlines has signed a contract for up to 117 A320 family aircraft, including 25 A321ceos, four A320neo, 53 A321neos and options for 35 additionalA321neos.

It is the largest ever placed by a Turkish carrier.

Turkish Airlines already operates 75 A320 family aircraft. Turkish Airlines said the new order will allow it to expand short to medium-haul routes from its Istanbul hub, while the aircraft’s commonality with their existing Airbus fleet will generate additional cost-savings.

The A320neo will enter into service from late 2015, followed by the A319neo and A321neo in 2016, Turkish said.

In February, the carrier ordered five more Airbus A330-300s on top of the 15 A330-300s it ordered in October. And in December Turkish firmed a commitment for 15 Boeing 777-300ERs plus five options.

An engine selection for the new Airbus narrowbodies will be made later, the carrier said.